Looking back at a dense and fulfilling cultural exchange mission in Khabarovsk, Russia.
Recommended by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, I visited Khabarovsk to connect our cultures through the power of Shodo.
Day 1: Historic Cinema & “Zuiki Shumon”
March 18 (Fri)
The journey began at the oldest movie theater in Khabarovsk.
We screened the “World Calligraphy Journey” documentary, followed by a live calligraphy performance and a stage greeting.
At the entrance, I exhibited the work 「瑞気集門」 (Zuiki Shumon).
It means “Many good things gather at the gate of a home filled with joy.” I chose this phrase to wish happiness for the people of Khabarovsk.
Day 2: Passing the Brush to the Next Generation
March 19 (Sat)
I dedicated the day to education, holding calligraphy classes for elementary, junior high, and high school students.
Later, I held a public workshop in the auditorium, enjoying direct interaction with the local community through ink and paper.
Day 3: Music, Fashion, and Calligraphy
March 21 (Mon)
The climax of the tour was a collaboration stage at the Music Hall.
Part 1: Music Collaboration
I performed with Mr. Ito (Shamisen) and Mr. Hirashima (Cajon). The fusion of traditional Japanese sounds and modern rhythm created a dynamic backdrop for the calligraphy.
Part 2: Live Fashion Calligraphy Show
On stage, I took on a bold artistic challenge: creating a dress from a single piece of cloth using draping techniques right before the audience’s eyes.
I then brushed calligraphy directly onto the finished dress. It was a moment where fashion, performance, and Shodo united.
Special Moments in Khabarovsk
- The Church: I received special permission to enter a cathedral usually closed to the public, where I wrote the character 「祈」 (Prayer).
- Japanese Consulate: I visited the Consulate General of Japan and wrote 「健」 (Health).
- Hotel Exhibition: My artworks were also displayed at the hotel where I stayed.
World Calligraphy Journey: The Frozen Amur River
As the 4th installment of my “World Calligraphy Journey” series—where I create art in the most inspiring natural landscapes across 15 countries and 50 cities—I chose the frozen Amur River.
Writing a Poem on Ice
Khabarovsk was blessed with record-breaking snowfall, the heaviest in 70 years, turning the world into a vast silver landscape.
As the setting sun sank far beyond the Amur River, the sky turned a deep red-purple, and the ice shimmered in crimson light.
In this breathtaking silence, I danced with my brush on the paper, feeling as if I were being absorbed into the river itself.
I inscribed a poem on the ice, capturing the eternal beauty of the moment.
World Calligraphy Performance
Yabe Chosho Office
